The longer in the hobby the more I like to push the limits of the scope I'm using and to really see what the scope and my eyes can reveal. In terms of objects, galaxies, nebula, planetary nebula are probably my favorite, though I won't rule anything out. Right now I can't buy a clear new moon period.

I love them all, but I have a special soft spot for open clusters. Part of the reason, I think, is that I started off with small scopes, and open clusters are often the best targets for such instruments. Also, open clusters are overwhelmingly varied.

All categories of DSOs are hugely varied, but for me globular clusters are at the opposite extreme; there's a certain sameness to all of them. Almost as though they can be described by a half dozen numbers: size, brightness, degree of concentration, number of stars resolved, and so on.

Planetary nebulas are also wildly varied, but they tend to demand more in terms of equipment and sky conditions than open clusters do.

I guess that's why they put the different objects in the sky. Everyone's tastes are different. Double stars hold very little allure for me, and while I'd like to do more planetary stuff, I don't have the seeing for it, nor the budget for the nice big APO that would provide the great views. I also don't have the dark enough skies (or time to drive to darker sites) for most nebulae, though I would like to do more there.

I agree with Tony that globulars are all pretty similar, but oddly enough, I like them better than most other objects. I think it's the quantity of stars in each that helps me remember my tiny spot in the universe. Galaxies do the same for me.

My favorites change all the time. Current favorite is the Moon, I can actually see details and I'm using Charles Woods book "The Modern Moon" to point out and explain details. Current second place is Jupiter. Likely next favorites are Saturn and Mars when they are in the right time and place. Previously top of the list where large Galaxies (M55, 101, 82, 81 etc.) when I could get them in the Mallincam for some great views. Nebulas & Mallincam same thing. I'm easy.

Deep sky for me. The fainter the fuzzy, the more I'm intrigued. Sure I like the brighter ones also, especially ones I haven't seen before, ones that surprise me. I've seen all the tourist objects hundreds if not thousands of times. I never quite get tired of seeing them, quite...

As for the planets, Uranus is my all time favorite. Green, on it's side, mysterious.

As for the moon, most of the time it's that annoying bright rock that gets in the way. It's that "outreach" object I show more often than not. However, once in a while, even it surprises me with some feature I either haven't seen before or in a long time. If it's the only thing up there, it's better than nothing but I'd rather be looking at something else. Sorry, moon lovers!

Individual stars or doubles or asterisms aren't really my thing except the occasional carbon star or something such as the Virgo Diamond.

Up to this point in my observing 'career'--open clusters. I love 'em. Quite rewarding for my size scopes and the quality of skies I usually observe in. Nebulas, second, even though I usually stick to the showpieces and third, double stars. I have only recently started getting into those. This spring I hope to go for some galaxies, just haven't seen enough to put 'em up there.

My viewing is entirely dictated by logistics. I can't seem to get skies still enough for more than 75x, or dark enough for galaxies or diffuse nebulae, or unobstructed enough for anything but a little slice of the eastern sky.

So this season, my favorite objects are open clusters and doubles. *sigh* The mess around Mirphak in Perseus is actually one of my favorites (I think it's comparable to Hyades), though it requires binoculars to really get a wide enough view. M35 is probably my favorite little open cluster for the last month or so.

But overall, I'm looking forward to some nice still days in summer when I can get back into globulars (like around Sagittarius)! There is nothing like going from 30x "that's a fuzzy alright" to 150x "I can see stars!!" It's like splitting a hundred doubles at once.

And I think M57 (ring nebula) may still be my favorite object of all time, because it is just so precisely and obviously a neat little ring (also my first DSO). But my lust for nebulas has been somewhat dampened by the dramatic oversupply of M42 this season.

Pretty much the moon. Always loved it, and now that I've started doing some of the observing programs I'm starting to learn my way around. Orion is an old friend, as is Jupiter. Don't have the patience or the cold tolerance to do the fuzzies. Usually don't have the time as well.

All categories of DSOs are hugely varied, but for me globular clusters are at the opposite extreme; there's a certain sameness to all of them. Almost as though they can be described by a half dozen numbers: size, brightness, degree of concentration, number of stars resolved, and so on.

There are certainly many globulars that seem to be stamped with the same cookie cutter but there are some with real personalities. M30 is definitely unique, M10 and M12 have personality, M4...

Myself, I like anything and everything. In enjoy viewing the planets, make my round of double stars most every night. I like all sorts of DSOs, big, small, faint, bright... I enjoy just looking at star fields.

The Moon and planets, double stars, and brighter DSOs. I used to enjoy chasing faint fuzzies, but the LP around here doesn't really allow that anymore. When younger, I could get out from under the encroaching lights by heading east into the grasslands, or west into the mountains, but my creaky knees and back pretty much keep me in my backyard these days.

For most of this past year, I've been observing the undersides of clouds.

The Veil, M13, M42 among others. My favorite challenge object is Stephan's Quintet. I made a trip to my dark sky site tonight to observe it for the 8th consecutive month. Just barely caught a glimpse of it through the thin clouds that moved in. Will try to get back up there in January if the road is still passable. Barry

Even though the night wasn't very good tonight as far as seeing goes, I spent some time with M45, M34, Jupiter, the ET cluster, M38, M36, M37 and had to end at M35 as the fog was rolling in. Sometimes you take what you get. Clear skies...